Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition Gin

We always found it a bit strage that gin is traditionally seen as a spring and summer spirit. It’s hard to think of another spirit that reminds us more of wintery pine and crisp cool snow than gin. On the rocks, gin is a proverbial Christmas Tree in a glass. That’s why we’re excited that the folks at Beefeater are embracing gin in the winter with a very limited Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition Gin.

Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition Gin (80 Proof – $20, available only in select markets including New York and San Francisco) – has a nose which is distinctly different from the traditional Beefeater London Dry Gin, with a softer pine accompanied with distinct orange and coriander. The Winter Edition Gin is 80 proof versus the traditional London Dry Gin which is 84 proof, but the nose is noticeably softer and easier. Even though it’s only 2% less alcohol than the traditional Beefeater London Dry Gin, the entry is remarkably softer with a lot less heat or bite.

The orange from the nose presents itself solidly on the palate as more of an orange peel, accompanied by the pine from the juniper, which again is much softer and easier. The coriander from the nose is also very present on the palate, supported by cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of lemon and nutmeg. The finish is cool and clean, with juniper and a very subtle cinnamon that slightly lingers.

Beefeater London Dry Winter Edition Gin – Beefeater has taken their iconic London Dry Gin and softened it with orange peel and cinnamon to deliver a superb gin. As with all Beefeater products, the distillation is impeccable with superb balance of flavors. Given its soft and easy nature, we can definitely see this Winter Edition Gin as a great introduction for people who don’t typically drink gin. It’s also well suited to support richer and more savory holiday cocktails, although we really enjoyed it over ice in a glass. Beefeater has hit an absolute home run with the Winter Edition Gin and in the process has reminded us that gin is great any time of the year. Very Highly Recommended

+Geoff Kleinman, is the founder, and managing editor of DrinkSpirits.com. He is a nationally recognized spirits columnist and staff reviewer for Whisky Advocate Magazine. Geoff's work has appeared in dozens of major magazines including Playboy Magazine, Black Book, and Mixology Magazine. He is a current sitting judge for the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, the founder of the Society of Modern Journalists, holds BAR certification from the Beverage Alcohol Resource Group, is a Certified Cognac Educator, and a Kentucky Colonel